Isaac has little impact on Bayou Corne sinkhole

Despite the tropical storm force winds and rains heavy enough to force a mandatory evacuation of all residents in Assumption Parish, officials say Hurricane Isaac had no impact on a sinkhole near Bayou Corne.

But after the storm trudged past the parish, three new bubbling gas sites were discovered Tuesday in Bayou Corne, Grand Bayou and Triche Canal. Representatives from the state Department of Environmental Quality are currently testing the air and water at the three new sites and they say preliminary tests indicate no abnormal readings.

Assumption Parish Police Jury spokeswoman Kim Torres said the sinkhole did not increase in size during Isaac but the "magic question" — the cause behind the new bubble sites — is still unanswered.

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Crosstex Energy LP of Dallas will reroute its 36-inch natural gas pipeline away from a sinkhole in south Louisiana.

The company tells The Advocate that the project will cost $20 million to $25 million and take about a year.

It has had to close part of the pipeline and find other natural gas supplies for its customers since the sinkhole was discovered Aug. 3 in Assumption Parish near Bayou Corne. The company says that's costing around $250,000 to $300,000 a month.

Assumption Parish officials have announced a mandatory evacuation of the parish in advance of Hurricane Isaac's landfall.

The parish has reportedly banned the sale of alcohol, and has announced a curfew.

Assumption has also opened a shelter of last resort, at Belle Rose Middle School (7177 Highway 1). Officials say the school will be running off of generator power; however, all evacuees are required to bring all necessary items with them, including food, water, toiletries, bedding and medicines. No cots will be provided.

The company believed responsible for the massive sinkhole near Bayou Corne may have to pay a fine of up to $5,000 a day if it doesn't retroactively compensate evacuated residents.

Louisiana Commissioner of Conservation James Welsh said Thursday Texas Brine Co. is required by the permit issued for a brine cavern they own in the Napoleonville salt dome to provide assistance to residents if a sinkhole develops.

The Houston-based company began providing a weekly housing check of $875 to evacuated locals last week.

Officials at the Assumption Parish Police Jury said Tuesday a small bubble site was discovered near a massive sinkhole in Assumption Parish. Residents have been reporting other gas bubbles and tremors in the area for months.

The sinkhole swallowed up an acre of bald cypress trees Aug 3. It has since grown to the size of a football field.